Phrenology

The new Phrenology album by Monolife is finally out tomorrow. There’s various bundles to buy and even a T shirt (with download). The album’s really ace. Full of leftfield electronica with and acid and indie background. And the tracks hang together as an album.

I’ve so championed Monolife these last couple of years that an objective review is impossible, Don’t believe me that it’s good, try Falcons. It’s a free download of a track from the album. It’s a cute little synth pop gorgeousness tune.

Phrenology is a rich mix of classic synth sounds, big beats, and darker samples. Disco, acid, and even avant-rock influences permeate the eleven tracks of intense electronica. The grit in the EDM machine.

This compelling album was written over the past two years, and despite its diversity, a theme dominates Phrenology: warped science. The title refers to the (now-discredited) idea that separate areas of the brain function differently and control specific emotional states; the skull was measured and codified according to the dominant ideology of the time. Just like medical quackery, Phrenology may initially sound clean and scientific, yet behind the precision is a freewheeling philosophy that’s tuned into club and bedroom sensibilities.

Since 2013, Mono Life has released six EPs, been played on Radio 1, BBC 6Music, BBC Introducing and a host of other stations. Fatboy Slim is a big supporter of Mono’s work, as is Todd Edwards, Nemone, Horse Meat Disco and ALFOS honcho Sean Johnson.